In short
York University in Toronto, Canada, offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across three campuses, with a diverse international student body and a strong focus on academic excellence and social justice.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1959
- Students
- 55,700
- International students
- 10,000
- Acceptance rate
- 27%
- Tuition (intl)
- €17–28k/yr
- Languages
- EN, FR
- Location
- Toronto, Canada
York University, located in Toronto, Canada, is a large and diverse post-secondary institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence and social justice. The university operates across three main campuses — Keele, Glendon, and Markham — offering a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing studies programs. York is dedicated to fostering a forward-thinking community where students, faculty, and staff collaborate to address complex societal challenges. The university prides itself on innovative research, aiming to advance knowledge and create positive change globally. With over 10,000 international students from 178 countries, York provides a welcoming and inclusive environment that embraces diversity and promotes global citizenship. Students benefit from extensive academic support, career development opportunities, and a vibrant campus life within one of Canada's most dynamic cities. York University consistently ranks among Canada's top comprehensive universities and is recognised globally for contributions to quality education and sustainable development. The institution focuses on experiential learning, with many programs incorporating co-op options and real-world projects, preparing graduates for successful careers.
Why study here
- Access to over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse fields including business, law, engineering, fine arts, and environmental studies.
- Opportunities for experiential learning, including co-op options and real-world projects, to enhance career readiness.
- A vibrant and inclusive community with over 10,000 international students from 178 countries, promoting global citizenship.
- Consistently ranked among Canada's top comprehensive universities and recognised for quality education and sustainable development.
- Located in Toronto, Canada's largest city, offering extensive urban opportunities and a dynamic student experience.
- Strong research focus with internationally recognised schools including Schulich Business, Osgoode Law, and Lassonde Engineering.
Student life
York University offers a vibrant and inclusive student life experience across its three campuses in Toronto. Students can join a wide array of student organisations and clubs, participate in arts, athletics, and leadership opportunities. The campuses provide welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces, including fitness facilities, on-site childcare, numerous dining options, and a shopping centre. Residences are available on Keele and Glendon campuses, offering a supportive environment for academic, social, and personal growth.
Fees
InternationalInternational full-time LLM: CAD $6,574.63 per term. International full-time PhD: CAD $6,299.63 per term. Typical undergraduate international tuition is CAD $28,000–$36,000/year depending on program.
HomeDomestic full-time PhD and LLM: CAD $1,735.74 per term. Tuition is charged per term, and there are three terms in a year.
LivingToronto living costs average CAD $1,800–2,400/month covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. On-campus housing is available on Keele and Glendon campuses.
Fees are current as of Fall 2026. Tuition rates differ for domestic and international students. For graduate-level programs, students must maintain continuous full-time registration in all three terms.
Admissions
Application FeeCAD $130 (non-refundable) via York University Application portal
Academic TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
English ProficiencyRequired for non-native English speakers: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88
Letters of Recommendation2–3 letters required for graduate programs
Statement of PurposeRequired for graduate and professional programs
IELTS6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT88 overall
Duolingo120
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025333
Maclean's Rankings 2025Top 5 Comprehensive Universities
THE Impact Rankings 20251st in Quality Education in Canada
THE Impact Rankings 2023Top 40 for UN Sustainable Development Goals
University scholarships
York University International Student ScholarshipCAD $5,000–$20,000/year for high-achieving international undergraduates
Domestic PhD Funding PackageCAD $24,455/year minimum (fellowships, TA/RA positions)
International PhD Funding PackageCAD $36,421/year minimum
Entrance ScholarshipCAD $2,000–$5,000 for domestic students with strong academic records
Accreditation
York University is a publicly funded university chartered under the York University Act (Ontario). Its professional schools hold independent accreditations: Schulich School of Business (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA triple-accredited), Osgoode Hall Law School (Federation of Law Societies of Canada), and Lassonde School of Engineering (Engineers Canada/CEAB).
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Programs
a selectionYork University · Canada
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng): Space Engineering
The Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Space Engineering program at York University provides students with specialized, multidisciplinary knowledge and skills essential for a career in space technology and its applications. You'll gain comprehensive experience in the design, development, and delivery of spacecraft and payloads, making you highly attractive to employers in the space industry. The program covers the entire lifecycle of space missions, from initial concept and design to manufacturing, testing, and in-orbit operations. This rapidly evolving field integrates with other disciplines like Space Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Geomatics, and Computer Engineering, all available at York's Lassonde School of Engineering. Space Engineering focuses on developing technologies that enhance our understanding of Earth, the solar system, and the universe. Graduates can contribute to advancements in weather prediction, resource exploration, environmental management, navigation, and health and safety through space-borne sensor data and applications.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
York University · Canada
Civil Engineering Graduate Program
York's graduate program in Civil Engineering offers thesis-based MASc and PhD degrees focused on sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Research and teaching emphasize sustainable development, using recycled materials, landscape rehabilitation, and designing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather. Graduates gain knowledge and skills applicable to diverse fields such as construction, consulting, water systems, environmental technology, transportation, utilities, marketing, education, and patent law. The program aims to equip students with the tools to address contemporary challenges and contribute to shaping the built environment for the future.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
York University · Canada
Communication and Culture Graduate Program
The Communication and Culture graduate program at York University offers a dynamic environment for students interested in pursuing innovative and socially relevant research. This interdisciplinary program, a collaboration between York University and Toronto Metropolitan University, prepares graduates for careers in a rapidly evolving field. It focuses on critical engagement with communication and cultural practices, theories, and technologies.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
York University · Canada
Doctoral Dissertation Studies at York University
York University offers doctoral programs that culminate in the submission and defense of a dissertation. This dissertation must represent original research conducted during your studies, making a significant contribution to knowledge and demonstrating a critical understanding of relevant literature. The work should be of a standard suitable for publication or public dissemination. Students have flexibility in the format of their dissertation, including traditional monographs, manuscript-based collections of articles, complex digital works incorporating media, and multimodal projects involving objects or performances. Any deviation from standard formats requires early discussion and approval from your supervisor, supervisory committee, and the graduate program director, with potential review by the Faculty of Graduate Studies to ensure university requirements are met. The process for submitting and defending your dissertation involves specific procedures, including the submission of a proposal, ethics review, and a final oral examination. The Graduate Oral Exam portal is used to manage this process, from initial request to final documentation on your student record.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
York University · Canada
Graduate Studies in Earth and Space Science
York University's Lassonde School of Engineering offers graduate studies in Earth and Space Science (ESS), building on a strong foundation in research and innovation. The program is recognized internationally for its contributions to space exploration, including the development of satellites and scientific instruments. Students engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary research across various areas. These include atmospheric science and meteorology, geomatics science and engineering, and space science and engineering. The department fosters connections with leading national and international research institutions and industry partners, providing a rich environment for advanced study and discovery.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
York University · Canada
Master of Biotechnology Management
The Master of Biotechnology Management program at York University is designed for students with a Bachelor of Science degree in fields like Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences, who have limited prior work experience in the biotechnology sector. This program delves into the practical aspects of modern biotechnology management, exploring the scientific, ethical, and societal contexts that shape the industry. It aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and navigate the complexities of managing biotechnology enterprises.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the approximate tuition fees for international students at York University?
+
International undergraduate tuition typically ranges from CAD $28,000 to $36,000 per year. For graduate programs, international LLM students pay CAD $6,574.63 per term, and international PhD students pay CAD $6,299.63 per term.
What are the living costs for students in Toronto?
+
Living costs in Toronto average between CAD $1,800 and $2,400 per month. This estimate covers accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Does York University have a diverse international student population?
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Yes, York University welcomes over 10,000 international students from 178 countries, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that promotes global citizenship.
What are some of the academic strengths of York University?
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York University is recognised globally for quality education and sustainable development, ranking 1st in Canada for Quality Education according to THE Impact Rankings 2025. It also ranks among the Top 5 Comprehensive Universities in Canada.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International applicants typically need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 88. Duolingo is also accepted with a minimum score of 120.
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